AHM 5098-03 Premium Production Run UP FEF-3 4-8-4 Northern Locomotive #8444

The Union Pacific Railroad bought 45 4-8-4s in three orders from the American Locomotive Company. The first order of 20 locomotives (road numbers 800 through 819) was delivered in 1937. These were designated Class FEF-1 (“FEF” stood for four-eight-four) “Northern” and were designed by UP's Motive Power Group to have 77" drivers, 24.5 x 32 cylinders, a boiler pressure of 300 psi, and a weight of 465,000 lbs. resulting in a tractive effort of 63,611 pounds (63,800 nominal).

The second order of 15 “Northerns” (road numbers 820 through 834) was delivered in 1939. These locomotives were designated as Class FEF-2. They were designed to have 80" drivers, 25 x 32 cylinders, a boiler pressure of 300 psi, and a weight of 483,000 lbs. giving each a tractive effort of 63,750 pounds (63,800 nominal).

The last group of 10, Class FEF-3 “Northerns” were delivered in 1944 and were assigned road numbers 835 through 844. These FEF-3s were very similar to the Class FEF-2's. The FEF-3 class represented the epitome of dual-service steam locomotive development

Built and designed in a joint effort between the Union Pacific and ALCO, the FEF-3 class could safely handle 120 mph. On one occasion, one of the engines of the FEF-3 class pulled a 1,000-ton passenger train at 100 mph. All FEF classes were considered by the Union Pacific to be capable of producing between 4,000 and 5,000 drawbar horsepower.

The last of the class - 844 - never actually left service. Its 1957-1959 stint of freight work was its last revenue work, but it was reserved for excursion work in 1960. Renumbered for a time as 8444, the locomotive regained its original number in 1969 after the diesel that bore 844 was retired. It was reassigned to excursion work and ran into the 21st Century. Today, it is one of UP's oldest serving locomotives as well as the only steam locomotive never retired by a North American Class I railroad.

From 1979 until their original demise in 1997, Rivarossi produced standard and extra highly detailed Premium Production Run versions of the Union Pacific FEF-3 4-8-4 Northern in six different road numbers. Road Number 8444, like this AHM5098-03, was only produced by Rivarossi in 1979, 1986 and 1989. Since AHM went belly up in the mid 1980's this super rare mint condition Premium Production Run AHM5098-03 was likely produced in 1979.

FEATURES

• Excellent Upgraded C-7 Mint Condition with Good Original Box and Paperwork.
• Limited Production Run with Super Detailing.
• Upgraded w/MRRHQ Exclusive Always-On Dual LED Headlamp Module.
• No evidence of run time..
• MRRHQ Locomotive Works serviced, tested and certified.
• 14 Wheel "Centipede" Long Haul Tender.
• Upgraded w,MRRHQ Custom Directional LED Backup Light.
• One-piece locomotive and tender bodies of pressure-cast high impact plastic.
• Baker Valve Gear w/steel main and side rods, guides, hand rails and fittings.
• Many additional fine details.
• Powerful can motor w/sealed gearbox.
• Scale 77" Drivers.
• Easy rolling steel needle point truck axles.
• "Disappearing" Front Knuckle Coupler.
• Upgraded with Kadee Rear Knuckle Coupler.
• Optional Upgrades Available:
  • SOUNDTRAXX 852204 Standard DCC Decoder Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX 852204 Standard DCC Decoder w/810160 Keep Alive Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX TSU1100 Digital DCC/Sound Decoder Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX TSU1100 Digital DCC/Sound Decoder w/810160 Keep Alive Installed.
• Made in Italy by Rivarossi. Production Year 1979.